Hawai'i is 8-1 after suffering its first loss of the season on Wednesday at Fresno State. Nevada, the defending WAC champion, is 8-3. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2, starting at 7 p.m. (Hawai'i time).

"We need to get off to a good start," Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said. "It's hard to fight back in this place if you fall behind because of the crowd and the altitude and all that."

In hopes of igniting the offense, Wallace said he will likely start "Little Matt" Gibson at shooting guard.

Despite playing a reserve role for most of this season, Gibson is second on the team in scoring with 12.3 points per game, and leads the team with 12 3-pointers.

Matt Gibson

Jake Sottos

However, Wallace said Gibson's starting spot is not solidified. Because of tonight's late start (9 p.m. in Reno), the 'Bows will have a one-hour workout this afternoon.

"He needs to show me he can have another good practice again (today)," Wallace said of Gibson. "He didn't have a good game (against Fresno State) so I'm hoping he realizes it and comes back strong."

If Gibson is not ready, senior Jake Sottos will start. Both Gibson and Sottos alternated with the first team during last night's practice at the Lawlor Events Center.

"I like the opportunity," Sottos said. "I just want to come and play my game and hopefully do something to help the team win."

Sophomore Bobby Nash, who has started every game this season, will inherit Gibson's previous role as the "energizer" off the bench.

"I want Bobby to play loose," Wallace said. "We need his offense for this team to be successful. I think he's been tight because everybody is pulling so hard for him and he feels it. But I think this might be a good way for him to still contribute and show what he can do."

In any case, the more intriguing matchups could be among the front-court players.

Nevada is perhaps the only team in the WAC that is considered bigger than Hawai'i. The Wolf Pack will likely start 6-foot-10 Kevinn Pinkney at center, 6-11 Nick Fazekas at power forward, and 6-7 Mo Charlo at small forward. Two 7-footers, Chad Bell and David Ellis, are available off the bench, along with 6-5 forward Jermaine Washington.

Hawai'i will counter with its big four: 7-foot center Chris Botez, 6-9 forward Julian Sensley, 6-8 forward Jeff Blackett and 6-9 reserve "Big Matt" Gipson.

"Hawai'i has so many different guys who can score," Nevada head coach Mark Fox said. "It's hard to defend them because they are such a good offensive team."

Fazekas, a sophomore, is considered one of the top players in the WAC. He is averaging 19.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, and leads the Wolf Pack with 13 3-pointers.

"He's tough for opponents because, even at his size, he can score inside and outside," Fox said. "But I think of Sensley the same way, so Hawai'i has something to match what we have."

However, Wallace is concerned about keeping his big men fresh in the dreaded altitude of Reno. Several key 'Bows got their first taste of Reno's cold thin air last night.

"I ran up the court three times and I was winded already," Gipson said. "But once the ball is tipped up, you don't think about it. It's not that bad, really."

The 'Bows also said they have recovered from their 15-hour bus ride on Thursday. A snowstorm closed roads that day, adding 10 hours of travel time to the UH itinerary. The 'Bows also had to cancel their scheduled practice that night, so last night was their first practice since the loss at Fresno State.

In essence, Wallace is hoping that a new year can bring new luck for the 'Bows on this road trip.

"I liked the way the players responded to everything," Wallace said. "It shows that they can put things in the past."